2026 Prep Football Summer Series: Central Spartans

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The offseason has been busy for the Central Spartans, but head coach Rookie Pena believes the work put in over the past several months has positioned the program for another deep postseason run.

Central wrapped up its spring football schedule after completing 14 practices in May before transitioning into summer conditioning.

The Spartans have also continued offseason passing league competition while regularly drawing around 150 players across three levels of the program.

"We've had a great turnout," Pena said. "We're right around 150 kids through three levels. We have multiple weightlifting sessions in the morning, then practice and passing league in the afternoon. It's been going very well."

The Spartans enter the 2026 season with several key departures. Still, Pena believes the program's culture has prepared the next group to step into larger roles.

"We're very fortunate," Pena said. "The kids understand the standard of what it takes to play at Central. They laid a great foundation moving forward. Our players understand what's expected, and they understand leadership."

Central is coming off another successful season that included a victory over rival Brawley in the annual Bell Game before advancing to the CIF Division III championship game.

Pena said the rivalry remains one of the highlights of every season, regardless of records or coaching changes. Former Calipatria head coach Rick Stewart takes over at Brawley this fall.

"Anytime there's a rivalry game, the record books don't matter," Pena said. "Our kids understand what it means to play in that game. Coach Stewart is a really good coach, and it'll be a really good schematic game. We always look forward to it."

The Spartans are also hoping to make another postseason run after falling one game short of a CIF title last season.

"I tell our kids every year we want to be practicing over Thanksgiving break," Pena said. "That means we've had a successful season. The further we go in November, the colder it gets, the happier we get."

Central opens the season against La Costa Canyon Mavericks before navigating what Pena described as a challenging schedule.

The Spartans will also benefit from six home games at Cal Jones Field, where new LED stadium lights are expected to enhance the game-day atmosphere.

"We love Cal Jones Field. We love our fans. We love the city of El Centro," Pena said. "We're looking forward to having those six home games and looking forward to the season."